Reynolds and Foster (1992) indicated that Atelopus rugulosus is a synonym of A. tricolor. Subsequently, Lötters and De la Riva (1998) confirmed this and pointed out that in evaluating the types of A. rugulosus from south-east Peru, and A. wilimani from Bolivia, both are synonyms of A. tricolor.

Justification:
Listed as Vulnerable because of a projected population decline, estimated to be more than 30% over the next ten years, inferred from declines in other high altitude Atelopus species in the same region, probably due to chytridiomycosis.

This species is found in the eastern Andes in Peru and Bolivia, at elevations of 600-2,500m asl. The type locality is the Marcapata Valley in Peru, in the Amazonian slopes of the eastern Andes (south-eastern Cusco Department). Other Peruvian records are from areas close to Puno Department, at 1,700-2,100m asl (Duellman 1979, Köhler 2000a). In Bolivia there are records from La Paz Department, in the Yungas region, and south in the Chapare region, Cochabamba Department, eastern slopes of the Andes (Fugler 1984, De la Riva 1990, Reynolds and Foster 1992, Köhler 2000a). The larval description of A. tricolor comes from 12 samples from Paucartambo-Atalaya, 68km (by road) north-east of Union Bridge, at Tachila River, 1,700m asl, Cusco Department, Peru; and five specimens from 40km north Caranavi, Buena Vista Hills, Nor Yungas Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia (Lavilla et al. 1997).

The major threats are habitat loss, due to small-holder farming activities (coffee, coca, chili peppers), and pollution, as a result of increased stream sedimentation. Chytridiomycosis has yet to be found in this species, but is a potential major threat in the future. Introduced predatory trout might be a threat in some areas.

In Bolivia, it is present in the Parque Nacional Carrasco, Parque Nacional Madidi and Pilon Lajas. In Peru, it is present in Manu Biosphere Reserve. Continued population monitoring is required, especially in light of the potential threat of chytridiomycosis.